Re-evaluating Resolutions

In the year 2010, my New Year's Resolution was to put out at least ten applications. It didn't matter what they were for, grants, scholarships, fellowships, calls for art etc. as long as it pertained to my art career. I think I got to six.

This year, 2011, I started out with the Resolution of developing my portfolio to be presentable to grad schools, and then apply. So far, so good. I think I'll make my goal this time! But the funny thing is, in this year alone I've now totaled eleven applications for those other things!

Going by this measure, I may have better success at applying to grad schools next year, when my New Year's Resolution will be something different, something like...

getting a residency in France!

Just updated my online portfolio for one of those eleven applications this year. You can see all that and a proposed project I have in mind for the next installation here.

Pangur Ban

Well, the sweet thing has taken the name of Pangur Ban, even though "Ban" means "white" in old irish, it still suits her. She also sometimes goes by Butter Bean.

A distraction, a nusince, and endless inspiration, much like the original Pangur who was written about by a 9th century Irish monk.

I and Pangur Ban, my cat,
'Tis a like task we are at;
Hunting mice is his delight,
Hunting words I sit all night.

Better far than praise of men
'Tis to sit with book and pen;
Pangur bears me no ill will;
He, too, plies his simple skill.

'Tis a merry thing to see
At our task how glad are we,
When at home we sit and find
Entertainment to our mind.

Oftentimes a mouse will stray
Into the hero Pangur's way;
Oftentimes my keen thought set
Takes a meaning in its net.

'Gainst the wall he sets his eye
Full and fierce and sharp and sly;
'Gainst the wall of knowledge I
All my little wisdom try.

When a mouse darts from its den.
O how glad is Pangur then!
O what gladness do I prove
When I solve the doubts I love!

So in peace our tasks we ply,
Pangur Ban, my cat and I;
In our arts we find our bliss,
I have mine, and he has his.

Practice every day has made
Pangur perfect in his trade ;
I get wisdom day and night,
Turning Darkness into light.'

Feeling Monkish

With a day off, and the morning light coming through the window, a large cup of hot tea and monastic celtic music playing on the Thistle and Shamrock, it was hard not to imagine being a medieval scribe as I took to creating the pages of my own personal calender and notebook.

Here are the steps I took to making a personalized planner which I hope will help me to better manage my time in the coming years:

Making the pages,

Binding them,

And then collaging pretty papers to make the front and back covers.

Oh yeah, and now we have a cat.

Experiments and Inspiration

I think it always valuable to take time to visit museums and galleries. There is always something to learn or something that might spark an idea for my next creation. That's why when I visited my family in LA I made it a point to see the Getty Villa and also hit up the Huntington Library. I love those intimate little museums of private collections put in an idealistic setting! And yes, I did get inspired for some good ideas I'll put toward a show I have in mind.

When I got back I immediately got to work on a different project: art for a garden to display at this year's Flower and Garden show. What you see here are experiments for cattails and roses.

Thinker at the Beach

The funny thing about the whole process of this artwork is that it was intended to reflect how Nature will always have her final say, and yet she hardly ever did. Each piece that I replicated throughout history was put on the tideline to be disolved slowly, and yet almost every time I retuned to photograph it's progress I came upon a trampled and destroyed mess. I think this outcome is more faithful to the true reason of the impermenance of things: our own destructiveness.
Here's the video I made of the final piece in the series, with an appropriate ending.

Well, there he is. The last temporary sculpture at the beach this summer. I got to say it's been a lot of fun and thank you all who made it out on such a fine day to participate.

I chose to sculpt Rodin's Thinker to represent the 20th century in my parade of art history. I also thought it a fitting subject to honor the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

I have lots of pictures of the creation and destruction of this piece which I will sew together into a time lapse video file and post soon so stay tuned!

Three Hours Until High Tide

Hi Everybody! This is Greg with some last minute updates. Eden's beachfront project is from 3pm to 6pm this afternoon at Shilshole Beach. Here's the map.

I think it's legal to park in the Shilshole Beach Club Parking Lot. Then you head towards the beach by passing the Beach Club building on the left side (as you face it). Look for the sandy end of the parking lot. It is a private beach, so no alcohol and no pets.

Eden will have plenty of clay for you to play with. Bring a lunch. We will have some snacks available.

I'll be leaving in about 30 minutes, if anyone in the area wants to be picked up on the way.

See you there!

greg